The National Assembly of Pakistan has passed a bill to ban the use of plastic covers for books in Islamabad as part of efforts to reduce environmental pollution and protect public health.
According to the bill, plastic book covers pose a serious threat to both the environment and human health.
The legislation states that Pakistan produces approximately 3.9 million tonnes of plastic waste every year, much of which is non-recyclable and harmful to water resources and wildlife.
The bill also challenges the common belief that plastic covers are a durable way to protect books, describing this perception as largely misleading.
Under the proposed measures, schools and educational institutions in the federal capital will be discouraged from wrapping books in plastic materials. Instead, the bill aims to encourage the use of environmentally friendly alternatives, including paper, cloth, and biodegradable materials.
The move comes after the Sindh government decided to enforce a province-wide ban on the production, sale, and use of plastic bags, including in Karachi.
According to the Sindh Environment Department, the decision to ban plastic bags was taken after formal approval from the provincial cabinet on April 15.
The department stated that any violation of the polythene bag ban will be punishable by law. Offenders may face legal action, including prosecution, arrest, and penalties.
Officials also highlighted that plastic bags are a major source of environmental pollution, contributing to marine contamination and causing blockages in sewage systems.
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